King James Version

What Does John 13:31 Mean?

John 13:31 in the King James Version says “Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him. — study this verse from John chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

John 13:31 · KJV


Context

29

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

30

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

31

Therefore, when he was gone out, Jesus said, Now is the Son of man glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32

If God be glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall straightway glorify him.

33

Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now is the Son of man glorified (νῦν ἐδοξάσθη ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου, nyn edoxasthē ho huios tou anthrōpou)—the aorist passive verb edoxasthē (was glorified) treats Christ's coming suffering as already accomplished. In John's theology, the cross is not humiliation but glorification (John 12:23-24). The betrayal sets in motion the Passion that reveals God's glory: holy justice satisfied, infinite love displayed, Satan defeated.

God is glorified in him—the Father's glory and the Son's glory are inseparable. Christ's perfect obedience unto death (Philippians 2:8) glorifies the Father by vindicating His righteousness and demonstrating His love (Romans 3:25-26). The cross is the theater of divine glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus spoke these words immediately after Judas departed—the wheels of betrayal now in motion. Within 18 hours, Jesus would be crucified. Yet He speaks of glorification, not tragedy. This reflects the Jewish concept of kabod (glory, weightiness)—God's essential worth made visible. The cross would reveal God's character most fully.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing the cross as glorification rather than humiliation change your understanding of Christ's sacrifice?
  2. What does it mean that God is glorified when His Son suffers—how do justice and love intersect at Calvary?
  3. In what ways does Jesus's embrace of suffering for glory challenge your response to trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Ὅτε1 of 17

when

G3753

at which (thing) too, i.e., when

ἐξῆλθεν2 of 17

he was gone out

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

λέγει3 of 17

said

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

4 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς5 of 17

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Νῦν6 of 17

Now

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐδοξάσθη7 of 17

glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

8 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς9 of 17

the Son

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

τοῦ10 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀνθρώπου11 of 17

of man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

καὶ12 of 17

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

13 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸς14 of 17

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐδοξάσθη15 of 17

glorified

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

ἐν16 of 17

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτῷ·17 of 17

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 13:31 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 13:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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